A vessel with five people on board is “in distress” in the English Channel, the coastguard has said. A rescue has been launched to help the boat, which is in trouble south west of Eddystone Lighthouse and off Plymouth, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Rescue operation launched
The MCA was alerted to the vessel just after 6pm on Saturday. A coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats have been scrambled to the scene. Local vessels are also assisting with the operation.
No further details available
No further details are currently available about the vessel or the nature of the incident. In a statement, the MCA said: “HM Coastguard is co-ordinating the response to a report of a vessel in distress with five people on board, south west of Eddystone Lighthouse.”
The MCA added: “A coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft have been sent, together with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Local vessels are also assisting.”
“The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.”
